Dampers, Penetrations & Life Safety · Dampers & Life Safety
Smoke damper in duct
Smoke barrier/system
ConnectionFlanged/breakaway as listed
SupportIndependent support
Before you start
- Confirm smoke-damper model, leakage rating, actuator, fail position, control sequence, access, and approved duct connection.
- Inspect blades, seals, linkage, actuator, casing, and labels.
- Verify airflow direction or installation orientation where required.
- Coordinate controls and testing before concealment.
Tools and materials
Listed smoke damper, approved flanged or breakaway connection components, actuator and controls, access door, supports, level, square, gasket or sealant where permitted, and manufacturer instructions.
Lay it out
- Orient the actuator and access side for service.
- Keep straight approach or transition requirements shown by the approved design.
- Reserve clearance for blade and linkage travel.
Set and support it
- Support the damper and adjoining duct independently.
- Keep the casing square.
- Do not let the duct connection rack the frame.
Make the connection
- 1
Set the damper in the approved orientation.
- 2
Connect the first duct side without distortion.
- 3
Recheck frame square and blade movement.
- 4
Connect the second side.
- 5
Install actuator, controls, and access.
- 6
Cycle the blades through full travel.
- 7
Complete leakage or functional testing as required.
Check the install
- The blades move freely.
- The actuator is serviceable.
- The frame remains square.
- Seals and linkage are intact.
- The control sequence and fail position are verified.
Common mistakes
- Racking the casing with misaligned duct.
- Blocking actuator access.
- Installing before the controls sequence is known.
- Using sealant or screws that interfere with blade movement.
Stop and ask
Stop if the control sequence, leakage rating, fail position, actuator access, or approved connection detail is unknown.